Commission votes not to fund TEE Center skywalk

The TEE Center could have a bridge that crosses over Reynolds Street. (WRDW-TV)

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW) -- Commissioners approved a skywalk in downtown Augusta back in August, but on Tuesday night, they decided not to fund the project.

Crosswalk, pedestrian bridge and "bridge to nowhere" are just a few of the names for the proposed skywalk that would connect the parking deck to the TEE Center.

The Hendersons spend a lot of time in downtown Augusta. They don't think the sky bridge is needed.

"I don't think that bridge is necessary. The traffic is not that bad in downtown Augusta. Right now," said Arienne Henderson, who lives in Augusta.

"Need to start focusing on more. That's what we need right now in this economy, not more bridges, but bridges to financial security," said Kenneth Henderson.

Parking Deck Manager Paul Simon was anxiously awaiting the decision.

Simon says commissioners promised him the skywalk would connect the parking deck to the TEE Center.

However, Commissioners Bill Lockett and Marion Williams say it's a million dollars they'd rather not spend.

"What I would like to tell Mr. Simon, if this agreement has been made, maybe he needs to take us to court. Then let us have a forensic audit conducting to see where all the money have gone," Lockett said.

"I wish that the convention grows so much that we need two skywalks. Right now, with the way the economy is, I can't support putting a bridge across there," Williams said.

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